What is generative AI?

You can also read a brief summary below the video, which was generated by Microsoft's Copilot, one of several generative AI tools available.

CoPilot Summary

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that creates new content, such as text, images, videos, music, or voices. This technology can produce outputs that are often indistinguishable from those created by humans, with broad applications across various industries.

Examples of generative AI in action include AI chatbots like ChatGPT, and text-to-image generators like Midjourney. These are just a few examples of the practical uses of generative AI and its ability to enhance creativity and productivity.

The future prospects and ethical considerations of generative AI are significant. While the benefits include increased efficiency and new creative possibilities, there are also potential risks, such as misuse and ethical concerns. 

How Can I Use Generative AI?

The possible uses of generative AI are vast, and different types of generative AI tools can generate a wide variety of materials based on their output type.

Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, Microsoft's Copilot, Google's Gemini, and many others, produce text based on the input they receive. LLMs can write documents, generate lists of ideas, create programming code, summarize or rephrase entered text, and hold a convincing conversation, among many other uses.

AI Image Generators such as Midjourney and DALL-E, as well as many others, can take text-based input and immediately create and adjust images in seconds. Other types of AI are also present in a wide range of common applications, such as search engines, online shopping websites, and a variety of voice-to-text applications on mobile devices.

Currently Available Generative AI

OpenAI's ChatGPT

ChatGPT is a robust generative AI program developed by OpenAI. While SWTC does not have a direct agreement with OpenAI to use ChatGPT, anyone can access ChatGPT in a variety of ways. Note that for all levels of access below, your account details and input may be used for training purposes by OpenAI, so be sure to read both the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy before creating a personal account.

To use ChatGPT without making an account:

1. Navigate to https://chatgpt.com and do not sign up or log in.
2. Begin prompting ChatGPT by entering text in the "Message ChatGPT" button at the bottom of the screen.

Account-Based Access

You can create a free account which grants access to a more powerful version of ChatGPT, but it does not provide access to the additional features of the premium tier. Navigate to https://chatgpt.com and select the 'Sign up' button in the top right corner. Then, create an account via an email address, or with a personal Google, Microsoft, or Apple account. Once you have created a free account, you can upgrade to a paid account via the 'Upgrade plan' button in the bottom left. A paid account allows you to access the most powerful version of ChatGPT and additional features not available in a free account, such as data analysis, DALL-E image generation, and more.

If you choose to use ChatGPT, whether you use it without an account or make an account with OpenAI, be sure to familiarize yourself with both the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 

Microsoft Copilot

Accessing Copilot

To access Microsoft Copilot, use the following procedure:

1. Open your preferred web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge) and navigate to https://copilot.microsoft.com/.

Using Copilot

Copilot may provide you with the option to choose a conversation style. More Creative will provide more imaginative, creative output, and is ideal for creating stories or for roleplay simulations. More Precise will provide more direct information, and is ideal for providing code or data analysis. More Balanced is a mix of the two. Choose the style that best suits your needs.

Additional Resources

While it's important that you discuss the use of AI with your instructors and supervisors, we encourage you to continue experimenting with these tools to find new prompt strategies and effective applications for their output.

If you want to learn more about AI, below are some resources you can explore:

1. Ethan Mollick's One Useful Thing blog - This blog, authored by Professor Ethan Mollick, is an excellent resource for keeping up with AI as it evolves.
2. Elon University's Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence - A comprehensive guide to learning about and using AI as a student.
3. Kapur, R. (2023). AI made simple: A beginner’s guide to generative intelligence. Rinity Media. Available in the NTC library at the Wausau Main Campus.
4. Brunfiel, G. (2023, February 2).  We asked the new AI to do some simple rocket science. It crashed and burned. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2023/02/02/1152481564/we-asked-the-new-ai-to-do-some-simple-rocket-science-it-crashed-and-burned

Glossary

• Generative AI - Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence systems designed to produce new content, such as text, images, or music, based on patterns learned from existing data. These models can create novel outputs that mimic human creativity in various domains.
• Large Language Model (LLM) - A large language model (LLM) is a type of AI model trained on vast amounts of text data to understand and generate human-like text. These models are capable of performing a variety of language tasks, such as translation, summarization, and conversation, based on their extensive training.
• Prompting - Prompting involves providing an input or instruction to an AI model to generate a specific response or output. The quality and clarity of the prompt can significantly influence the accuracy and relevance of the AI's response.